The UST project aimed to strengthen the capacity of local authorities to plan and manage tourism in a sustainable way. By implementing the project, partners sought to enhance the knowledge and competences of municipal staff, enabling them to integrate sustainability principles into tourism development. The project also aimed to develop local strategies that define each city’s territorial marketing, promoting them as attractive and responsible tourism destinations. Through the active involvement of local stakeholders, the project encouraged participatory planning and the co-creation of solutions tailored to local needs. Ultimately, UST aspired to foster a sustainable model of local tourism that balances economic growth with the preservation of natural environment, while ensuring positive social impacts for residents and visitors alike.
The consortium applied for the UST project to respond to the growing need for more sustainable, strategic, and inclusive approaches to local tourism development. Many municipalities lacked the necessary knowledge, tools, and competences to effectively plan and manage tourism in a way that balances economic, social, and environmental priorities. Through the project, partners aimed to strengthen the capacities of local authorities’ staff in sustainable tourism planning and management, ensuring they could make informed and responsible decisions. Another key need was to develop local strategies to better define each city’s territorial marketing, enhance its visibility, and position it as an attractive tourism destination. The project also addressed the need to engage local stakeholders more actively in tourism development, fostering collaboration and co-creation.